San Diego News

San Diego Chargers agree on two-year contract with Chad Rinehart

San Diego, California - The San Diego Chargers agreed to terms on a new two-year contract with guard Chad Rinehart, the team announced today. No other terms of the contract were announced. Rinehart joins safety Darrell Stuckey and linebacker Donald Butler as three returning veterans to recently sign new contracts with the team.

“I’m excited to be back,” said Rinehart. “All through the process, I was hoping the Chargers and I could come to an agreement. This past season was the most enjoyable of my six-year career. I would like to thank Tom (Telesco), Mike (McCoy) and Dean (Spanos) for having me back.”

Rinehart played his first season in San Diego in 2013 and the 6-5, 321-pound versatile lineman established himself as a vital cog in the Chargers’ offensive line. With Rinehart entrenched at guard, the Chargers allowed just 30 sacks for the year, tied for fourth fewest in the NFL. As a result, quarterback Philip Rivers and the offense had the fourth-ranked passing attack in the regular season, averaging 270.5 yards per game through the air. On the ground, Rinehart helped pave the way for a career season for Ryan Mathews, who ran for a personal-best 1,255 yards. Overall, the Chargers ranked 13th in the NFL in rushing, averaging 122.8 yards per game.

Rinehart suffered a foot injury in Week 3, forcing him to miss five games and six starts during the season. Including postseason, he started nine games at left guard and three at right guard.

The 28-year old Rinehart was one of the first free agent signings by General Manager Tom Telesco upon his arrival in San Diego. Initially a third-round pick of the Washington Redskins in 2008 out of Northern Iowa, Rinehart also spent three seasons with the Buffalo Bills before landing in San Diego. Upon signing with the Chargers, Rinehart was reunited with offensive line coach Joe D’Alessandris, who held the same position in Buffalo during his time there.